Do you ever experience tooth pain after getting a filling? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, this is a fairly common problem that can have a variety of causes.
That’s why it’s important to understand the causes of toothache after a dental filling so you can take steps to reduce your discomfort.
From sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks to throbbing sensations that won’t go away, there are many symptoms associated with tooth pain following dental treatment.
In this article, we will discuss some common causes of post-filling toothache and the treatments available for relief. We’ll also look at ways to prevent further damage from occurring to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
So if you’ve recently had a filling and now have a toothache, read on for tips on how best to manage your discomfort!
What you should expect after filling
After a dental filling, you can expect your tooth to look and feel better than before. Many dental fillings are made from dental materials that match the natural colour of your teeth.
This means that after the dental filling is put in place, it will be difficult for other people to spot which tooth has been filled.
You may have some initial discomfort right after having your dental filling; however, this should subside within a few days.
How sensitivity after a filling feels like
Experiencing sensitive teeth following a dental filling may be an uncomfortable and concerning experience. After receiving a tooth filling, patients can expect to feel tooth sensitivity, ranging in severity from a dull ache to sharp pain.
It is important to remember that tooth sensitivity after fillings are expected and should be alleviated over time. If the tooth sensitivity persists for more than two weeks, it may be wise to contact a dentist to ensure the tooth filling has been properly applied.
Here are a few potential causes of tooth sensitivity following the completion of a filling:
- Hot and cold foods or drinks
- When you exhale through your mouth, the airflow hits your teeth
- Sugary food
- Acidic edibles and beverages, such as fruits, juices, and coffee, can all have an acidic impact
- Biting down when eating
- Referred pain: This is due to a phenomenon called referred pain, which involves feeling pain in your other teeth surrounding rather than the source of the pain
Possible causes for tooth sensitivity after fillings
Although a little bit of sensitivity after getting a tooth filling is expected, excessive or chronic pain could be indicative of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Below, we explore the potential explanations for this complaint and advise when it is necessary to schedule a dental appointment:
An irritated nerve
Pain in the affected tooth is a common occurrence that is typically caused by irritated nerve endings. This may result from improper or rough technique during the dental procedure or from fillings that are of inadequate size for the size of the cavity being filled.
This can also occur due to any unusual shape or direction of the cavity. To determine the cause, a dentist will probe around the area, taking X-rays if necessary to verify that there is no underlying decay being overlooked.
The most effective treatment for an irritated nerve typically includes removal and replacement of the restoration, as well as re-contouring and repair of any damaged areas surrounding it.
Incorrect bite alignment
When the surfaces of your teeth do not hit each other at the same time, it causes one tooth to take on more pressure and stress than the other during biting and chewing.
This can cause pain and discomfort in the filled tooth. Incorrect bite alignment can also lead to chipping or cracking of a filling, which causes additional irritation and sensitivity in the same area of your mouth.
Pulpitis
Pulpitis is a painful condition of the tooth that causes frequent and severe toothaches after dental procedures such as fillings.
The causes of pulpitis can vary, but the most common causes are deep caries, excessive pressure on the filling during the filling procedure, trauma caused by a cracked or broken tooth, or large or deep fillings such as root canal treatment.
As this condition causes significant pain, time should be taken during treatment to reduce the likelihood of pulpitis occurring after a filling.
Treatment for pulpitis will depend on its severity but can include antibiotics combined with endodontic therapy in more serious cases.
Allergic Reactions to Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Allergic reaction to silver or amalgam fillings is not incredibly common, but they can happen. Although these filling materials are often safe and effective, some individuals have developed sensitivities to them over time due to differences in the composition of their mouths and gums.
Those who experience painful rashes, swelling, bad taste, or discolouration around the filling site should consult with a dentist immediately.
Regular visits and cleanings may help identify potential allergies early on so that other treatments can be explored ahead of time.
Deteriorating Fillings
The constant force of grinding, clenching or munching may cause damage to your dental fillings. Although you may not be able to detect any deterioration in the filling, a regular visit to the dentist can help identify weaknesses that have occurred over time.
With routine maintenance and care, you will stay one step ahead of potential problems before they occur!
If the protective seal between a tooth’s enamel and its filling is compromised, dangerous bacteria can infiltrate the area. This leaves your tooth vulnerable to further decay, which, if left untreated, could result in an abscessed tooth or infected dental pulp. Put simply: you must take action quickly when it comes to protecting your teeth from potential harm!
If tooth decay has significantly damaged your tooth or the filling is large, there may not be enough of your natural enamel left to adequately support an additional restoration. In such situations, a crown will likely replace the filling, as suggested by your dentist.
Inadequate dental work, contamination at the preparation site or biting/chewing trauma are likely culprits of new fillings falling out. Older restorations, on the other hand, typically succumb to decay and fracturing due to age-induced wear and tear.
Conclusion
If you have persistent tooth pain after filling, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. While some at-home remedies can help alleviate the pain temporarily, only a professional will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and provide a lasting solution.
Here at Parramatta Green Dental, we’re always happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health. Give us a call today on (02) 9538 7875, and let us help you get relief from your tooth pain!
Sources
Different filling materials
https://www.dentalhealth.org/different-filling-materials
Pulpitis
https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/dental-disorders/common-dental-disorders/pulpitis?query=pulpitis
Caries
https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/dental-disorders/common-dental-disorders/caries
How long should a cavity filling be sensitive?
https://dentalhealthsociety.com/fillings/how-long-should-a-cavity-filling-be-sensitive/